What is Strategy? Why Do You Need to Know?

This week Belinda gave a talk for senior leaders at Guide Dogs for the Blind to discuss and define strategy, strategic planning, scenario planning, and program-level strategy. It was inspired by the processes we tailor for each of our clients.

Strategy guides mission-driven organizations to focus their limited resources on what is most important and effective. Here's what you should know:

• Strategy is a coordinated set of actions designed to achieve an objective while overcoming important challenges.

• Strategy is NOT: operational efficiency, an action plan, goal setting, blue sky thinking, ambition, hard work toward a goal, positive thinking, determination, innovation, or a list of things to do.

• Strategic planning should identify critical opportunities and obstacles to achieving your organization's mission and develop a comprehensive set of coordinated actions that work together to seize these opportunities, overcome the obstacles, and advance your organization's mission.